CVE-2008-3239 in PHPizabi
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the writeLogEntry function in system/v_cron_proc.php in PHPizabi 0.848b C1 HFP1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary code via a filename in the CONF[CRON_LOGFILE] parameter and file contents in the CONF[LOCALE_LONG_DATE_TIME] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2008-3239 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in PHPizabi version 0.848b C1 HFP1 that fundamentally compromises system security through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the writeLogEntry function within the system/v_cron_proc.php file, creating an attack vector that enables remote code execution when the vulnerable application operates with register_globals enabled. The flaw manifests when attackers can manipulate two distinct parameters within the CONF array structure, allowing them to upload malicious files with arbitrary code execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and insufficient validation of user-supplied input. When register_globals is active, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, eliminating the need for explicit variable assignment. Attackers can manipulate the CONF[CRON_LOGFILE] parameter to specify a filename that will be written to disk, while simultaneously controlling the CONF[LOCALE_LONG_DATE_TIME] parameter to inject malicious file contents. This dual-parameter manipulation allows attackers to upload shellcode or other malicious code that gets executed within the web server context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. Once exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its ability to execute code directly through log file processing, bypassing typical security controls that might monitor other upload mechanisms. This flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization and improper access control, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads through legitimate system logging functions.
Security mitigation strategies must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying architectural issues that enabled the flaw. Organizations should immediately disable register_globals in their PHP configurations, implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and enforce proper file type and content checks for any file upload operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which specifically addresses the risks of accepting executable files without proper validation. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of proper application hardening and input validation. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts, while conducting regular security audits to identify similar unrestricted upload vulnerabilities across the application stack. The remediation process requires comprehensive code review to ensure that all functions handling user input properly validate and sanitize data before processing, particularly in logging and configuration management components.